SEARCY, Ark. - Southern Nazarene couldn't overcome a hot-shooting Harding squad Saturday afternoon, falling 81–60 on the road in Searcy.

The Crimson Storm (16–5, 10–5 GAC) battled early and stayed within striking distance through much of the first half. SNU found success attacking the paint and getting to the free-throw line, but Harding (14-7,10-5 GAC) answered with efficient shooting from the perimeter to build a 39-31 lead at the break.

Southern Nazarene worked to chip away at the deficit coming out of halftime, with Baron Bracey and Tracy Godfrey Jr. leading the offensive push. The Storm had moments where they strung together stops and cut into the margin, but the Bisons responded with timely three-pointers and second-chance opportunities to keep control.

Harding pulled away midway through the second half, shooting over 55 percent from the field after the break and knocking down key shots from beyond the arc. The Bisons finished the night at nearly 50 percent from the field and 9-of-18 from three-point range, creating too much separation for the Storm to erase.

Bracey paced Southern Nazarene with 12 points and five rebounds, while James Burries provided a spark off the bench with 11 points. Godfrey added 10, and Bam Johnson chipped in nine.

The Storm shot 37 percent from the floor and just 3-of-19 from long range. Harding also held a rebounding edge and turned second-chance opportunities into key points during its second-half surge.

Next Up

The Storm will return home to host No. 10 Oklahoma Baptist on Thursday, February 12 at 7:30 pm in the Sawyer Center.